A fireplace bellow can make your life way easier when it comes to tending to your fires. It is crucial to make sure you pick the right one for your needs. Most commonly, they are made out of high-quality wood and leather materials that will make this tool last for a while.
How can you make sure that you are picking the best one for you? We will take a look at the top five fireplace bellows and some features you should keep in mind when purchasing one.
Product Reviews
Uplayteck Fireplace Bellows, 19″x 8″ Wood Fire Blower with Hanging Strap – Best Choice
Description
The Uplayteck bellow is made from a sleek looking rubber wood and heat-resistant artificial leather. There are classy gold rivets holding the artificial leather to the wood. The small size of this makes it the best BBQ tool, as well as the convenience to hang it next to your wood stove or fireplace.
The ease of this tool is incredible. The bellow will draw in air from the bottom and force it out the nozzle at the top. This completely eliminates the need to blow into a fire, reducing the risk of getting burned by the fire.
Featuring a classic, retro design, you can hang this in any room by any fireplace and it will look like it belongs. It will add the perfect rustic, country feel to your room.
Pros
- Easy use
- Stylish design
- A great choice for BBQ
- Durable
- Storage Handle
Cons
- Can be stiff at first
Recommended?
This product is recommended because of its sturdiness and durability, the sleek look of the faux leather, the capacity to blow a lot of air, and how easy it is to be placed for decoration.
Amagabeli Wood Fireplace Bellows 19″x 8″ Large Leather Fire Pit Air Blower – Best for Outdoor Use
Description
The Amagabeli fireplace bellow features a beautiful wood finish made from ply board oak and artificial leather with decorative rivets. This product is durable, safe, and designed to last you for several years. The zinc-cast metal nozzle makes it easy to blow air exactly where you want it to go.
There is no assembly required for this bellow, you can start using it as soon as you get it. The well-made blower works incredibly well and does so while looking stylish and decorative hanging on a wall or outdoor fireplace.
Pros
- Easy operation
- Durable material
- Large bellow
Cons
- Rivets could be placed more efficiently
Recommended?
This product is recommended because of the durability, design, and ease of use. It also has a sleek, stylish design that fits well in any type of environment.
Tosnail 17″ x 7.5″ Solid Wood Fire Bellows with Hanging Strap – Budget Friendly
Description
The Tosnail bellow is made out of a solid, natural wood that is incredibly sturdy. The material is a faux leather, secured by gold rivets. The zinc-cast nozzle makes it easy to control where you are blowing air to.
The use of a solid wood makes the finish smooth to the touch. The handles are long and comfortable to hold on to. There is also a faux leather strap attached to make for easy hanging storage.
This product is able to push out a high volume of air, keeping your fire burning hot and the flames burning high. You can restart your fire as it starts to go out with one simple, quick burst of air.
Pros
- Easy use
- Durable material
- High volume air flow
Cons
- Rivets can break off easily
Recommended?
This bellow is recommended because it has a high-volume air flow, sleek design, and easy storage ability. The real wood makes this product extremely durable and long-lasting. The low price makes it desirable.
TJ.MOREE Fireplace Bellows Indoor 19″x 8″ Large Wood Fire Blower – Longest Handle
Description
This safe and simple to use option is perfect for those who prefer a longer handle that is easier to hold on to. Using artificial leather and rubber wood, this tool is made to last several years at least.
With the light weight of this product, you can easily take it with you from indoors to outdoors to get the most out of your use. When using this product, you can be sure that you will get the best air flow with the least amount effort. This will reduce the risk of any smoke getting in your eyes.
You can hang this bellow up next to your fireplace or chimney and know that it will be a great addition to the space. It will also make a great addition to your tool stand if that is where you prefer to keep your fireplace tools. The long handles will look flawless in any place you decide to put it.
Pros
- Long handles
- Classic design
- Durable material
Cons
- The fabric is not attached to the wood very well
Recommended?
This bellow is highly recommended because of the ease of use, sleek design, and long handles. This tool will help you keep your fires going and restart them with just one burst of air. You can use this inside and outside because the light weight makes it easy to transport.
INNO STAGE Wood Fire Air Bellows of Fireplace Large Campfire Blower – Overall Pick
Description
The INNO Stage bellow is sized perfectly for use with your fireplace, outdoor stove, or outdoor fireplace. The blower is color resistant, so you don’t need to worry about the color being damaged from heat exposure. It is also incredibly easy to clean, making it the perfect addition to your home if you have a certain aesthetic you are working with.
The wood, made from ply board, comes in three different colors. This makes it easy to match the material to your home décor no matter what your current style is. The fabric is made from artificial leather and is secured with rivets that match the material color of the wood.
To be extra easy to clean, the nozzle screws off the top of this bellow. You can clean it then screw it back on and continue use as normal.
Pros
- Removable nozzle
- Easy to clean
- Durable material
- Simple to use
Cons
- It can leak a little if the nozzle is not screwed on properly
Recommended?
This tool is very highly recommended. It is easy to clean, making it desirable for people who like to keep their bellow on display. It is also color resistant, so you do not have to worry about the color altering when exposed to too much heat.
Buyer’s Guide
It’s common knowledge that to start a fire and keep it burning you need heat, fuel, and oxygen. If you take one of these elements away, the fire will die out pretty quickly. If you notice your fires aren’t doing so well in your fireplace but the fireplace is hot and there is plenty of wood, you might just need some additional oxygen. This is where a fireplace bellow comes in.
A bellow quickly and easily adds oxygen back into your fire to keep it burning. It is a tool that is operated by you that basically fans the fire with oxygen in an extremely simple manner. All you need to do is pump the bellow and air will come out of the nozzle.
Bellows vary in size, materials, and appearance, so it takes more than just picking any one to ensure that it fits the style of your décor. Let’s look at some of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for a fireplace bellow.
How Does a Bellow Work?
A bellow usually consists of two pieces of wood connected together with some type of faux leather to create a chamber in between. Each piece of wood has a handle, and one will have a hole in the middle of it.
When you pump the two pieces of wood together, air will enter in the hole of the piece of wood and enter in the faux leather chamber. The air will then be pushed out of the nozzle and into the fire, providing the necessary oxygen.
Key Things to Consider
Size
Bellows will come in all different kinds of sizes. A standard size bellow will provide you with an effective amount of air with each pump you do. The standard size is usually between 17 and 20-inches long and about 7 to 10-inches wide.
In addition to the standard size, you might also see some smaller ones on the market. They will typically measure between 12 and 15 inches long and 5 to 7 inches wide. A smaller bellow will require more pumps to get the same amount of air flow as a standard size, but it is lighter and will be easier to pump.
Handle Length
It is important to also look at how long the handle of the bellow is. Short handles might not provide you with enough leverage to get the proper amount of air flow. You will need to press the wood pieces harder together to get enough air to feed your fire.
Longer handles will be more efficient for pumping air onto your fire. You will be able to push out more air with less effort, providing your fire with an efficient amount of air to keep burning hot.
Features
The different features of a bellow can change how the bellow will work for you. Take a look at these features, what they mean, and what they can do for you.
Chamber
Many manufacturers will use some form of fake leather to form the chamber of the bellows they sell. The most popular is faux leather, but you may also find synthetic leather or leatherette.
These materials will make the products less pricey, but they may not be as durable as real leather. If you only plan on using your bellow part time, faux leather will fit your needs and your budget.
If you want a bellow that you won’t need to replace for a long time, you should consider purchasing one made with real leather. The material won’t crack or peel like some synthetic materials might. Real leather will also stay flexible throughout its entire life, especially if you rub some oil on them occasionally. Genuine leather will be more expensive than faux or synthetic leather.
Panels
The panels are usually made out of solid wood like maple, oak, or walnut. You might also find some made out of a rubber-type wood. The thickness of the wood is more important than what type of wood is being used. This tool is designed to be used, so you want a material that will be able to withstand the use you will put it through.
Nozzle
The nozzle will be the closest piece of the bellow to the fire, so you will want to ensure it is made of quality material. The material the nozzle is made from should always be some kind of metal, not something that can possibly catch on fire.
The best material for nozzles to be made out of is brass. Brass is extremely durable when it comes to high temperatures and it resists corrosion way better than other materials. If a brass nozzle gets dirty, all you need to do is wipe it off with a damp cloth. Brass is also less likely to crack or break under pressure.
Another material used to make the nozzles is zinc, one of the metals you will find in brass. Zinc is tough, but it is more prone to corrosion. It is also more brittle than brass, so while it is strong it may break easier than brass.
Appearance
If you plan on displaying your bellow on the wall next to your fireplace when you are not using it, you should make sure you keep some of these features in mind when looking for a product.
Look for a bellow with a hanging loop. This will make it easy to hang on the wall without needing to buy an additional piece to add to the tool. It is common for the hanging loop to be made out of the same material that the chamber is so it will match.
You will also want to make sure that the wood piece with the loop on it is flat. If the wood is curved, you won’t be able to get the paddle to sit flush against the wall.
Some products will offer you the opportunity to customize your bellow. You can do this with an initial or your last name. This is a nice, simple way to add a personal touch to this product that will be hanging on display in your home.
Quality Ranges
You will definitely get what you pay for with bellows. If you plan on using your new tool only on occasion, you will more than like be completely fine purchasing an inexpensive one. If you are going to use your bellow frequently, you should consider spending a little more money to get the best one possible.
Inexpensive
If you don’t plan on using your bellow much, or even if it is just going to be a decoration, you can purchase a bellow on the cheaper side. The chambers will be made of synthetic materials and the wood will be thin.
Mid-Range
A bellow that will offer you solid wood and air chambers made out of a thicker synthetic leather.
High-End
If you use your fireplace frequently, like every day, you will want to invest in a high-end bellow, but you will be getting the best quality materials and a bellow that will last you for several years. The wood will usually be hardwood, and the chamber will be made out of real leather.
Tips
If you are looking for a well-made bellow that will last you for a very long time, it will not be lightweight. If you notice you are having a hard time keeping still while pumping and aiming at the fire, try resting the nozzle on a piece of wood that isn’t burning yet or a grate if you have one. This will increase stability and make it easier to pump air in the right place.
Uplayteck Fireplace Bellows, Wood Fire Blower with Hanging Strap
Check PriceIf you are hanging your bellow next to your fireplace, make sure it does not get exposed to any heat from the fireplace.
More often than not, you will also be able to use your bellow outside with a fire pit or a bonfire. You will always want to make sure you take it back inside when you are finished because the moisture can damage the material.
FAQ
How Do I Use My Fireplace Bellow?
If you are just starting your fire, aim the nozzle at any of the kindling that has a soft glow to it. Gently pump the air from the bellow at the embers to provide the area with oxygen. This will help as long as you don’t pump too much air and blow the fire out. If your fire is dying and you want to pump some life back into it, point the nozzle at the base of any logs that are still glowing. Pump the air more aggressively than you would for kindling. This will put oxygen back into the fire, starting the fire back up.
How Can I Make My Bellow Last?
One extremely common mistake is to extend your bellow when it is too close to the fire. There is not very much oxygen near the fire, which is why you need to use this tool in the first place. You will want to extend further back from the fire to ensure you get enough good air to provide your fire. Another thing you need to be careful of is sucking in hot air and ash if you extend to close to the fire. The hot air is bad for the bellow, especially ones made of synthetic leather because it can cause the material to peel and crack. This will damage your tool. Avoid sucking in air near the fire to extend the life of your bellow as much as possible.
Do I Need to Clean My Bellow?
It is always a good idea to wipe down your bellow if it gets any ash or debris on it. Use a damp cloth from time to time. You don’t want to expose it to too much water because it can end up damaging the material. Also you should consider treating the leather chamber with a leather conditioner to keep it in the best condition, and do this every other year to make sure the material stays flexible enough to do the job properly.
Should I Read Reviews Before Buying?
It is always a good idea to read reviews before you make a purchase. The customer reviews will give you a more solid look at what the product is actually like when you get it home and start using it. There will always be negative and fake reviews to sort through, but there will be more legitimate reviews. Reading the reviews can help you make your final decision on what you are wanting to purchase by giving you a real life look at the product.
Conclusion
A fireplace bellow can change the way you tend to your fires. It can make the process simple and quick, allowing you to keep your fire burning hot.
If you have never purchased a fireplace bellow before, it is possible to make a mistake and buy the wrong one. We would suggest the Uplayteck Fireplace Bellows, 19″x 8″ Wood Fire Blower.
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